District Health Plans and Information

H1N1 / Flu Prevention and Response
Schools and health agencies are working together to prepare for the potential impact of the H1N1 ("Swine") flu on families & schools. Here's what you can do:

• Wash your hands: wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Cover your cough: cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands.
• Flu shots: Talk with your doctor about what's right for your family, and plan to get your family vaccinated for both seasonal flu and H1N1 flu (when vaccines are available).
• Make a Plan: Plan for childcare at home if your child gets sick or school is dismissed.

> H1N1 tip sheet, Printer-friendly

> Colds vs. Flu: Know the difference, Printer-friendly

> CDC Q&A on H1N1 Vaccine Safety, Printer-friendly

> Return to School Checklist from Dr. Gary Goldbaum, MD, MPH, Health Officer and Director Snohomish Health District

Vaccinations
Check the Snohomish County Health Department website www.snocoflu.com frequently for information on the flu and the vaccinations. You can also call the Snohomish County Flu Line at 425-388-5088 if you have questions. The Health Department also released Q&A sheets (pdf) on both the live (nasal spray) vaccine and the inactive (shot) vaccine.

H1N1 Flu Information
We want you to know that our school staff will be monitoring student absences and illnesses closely this year and we are working closely with the Snohomish Health Department. As with any illness of this type, information or recommendations may change quickly so parents are encouraged to monitor trusted information sources for updated news and instructions.

What is the H1N1 Influenza? 
10/28/09 Update: The Snohomish County Flu Communications Committee issued a Q&A on Seasonal and H1N1 ("Swine") Flu. Click here for a printer-friendly page of information about vaccinations, symptoms, and guidance about when to seek medical attention.

For the latest, most accurate information go to the Snohomish Health District, Washington State Department of Health, basic information from the Center for Disease Control, or weekly updates from the CDC related directly to the H1N1 flu. For specific questions, call your family doctor (call before going into the office).

2009 Infectious Disease Handout 

Pandemic Flu Plan/Procedures (updated October 2009)
GFSD has developed information and a basic plan of action, based on the recommendations from the Center for Disease Control, in case a pandemic flu affects our region. This plan will be updated as information becomes available through state and federal resources. The District will follow the lead of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to address many as yet unresolved issues (180-day/graduation requirement, personnel/payroll issues, student learning alternatives, special education obligations, associated costs, etc).

Our Pandemic Flu Plan is posted in PDF format for easier printing.

MRSA Information and Response Plan
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a staph skin infection that is resistant to some antibiotics, including penicillin, but it is by no means untreatable. Most staph and MRSA infections are treatable. 

Our MRSA Information Page includes information about the infection and the district's response plan.